The jaw-dropping Temple Complex at Ranakpur. by JAI forumer from INDIA Mumbaï

The jaw-dropping Temple Complex at Ranakpur. by JAI forumer from INDIA Mumbaï

In the heart of the remote and enchanting valley of the Arvalli mountain range, skirting the rivulet Maghai, stands the Chaturmukh Jain Temple of Rishabhadev or The Ranakpur Jain Temple.

The Ranakpur Temple is at a distance of about 96 kms from Udaipur in Rajasthan state. It is probably the most complex and extensive of Jain temples in India, covering 40,000 square feet (3600 mtrs).

This three-storeyed marble edifice, which is on a lofty plinth, is enveloped in the solitude of the surrounding forest

The construction of the temple which had begun in 1446 Vikram Samvat, (roughly 600 years ago) took more than fifty years, to complete.

The temple has four artistic entrances. In the main chamber or of the temple there are four huge white-marble images of the Jain Trithankar (Revealer of Truth) Adinath. These four images, which are about 72 inches tall, have been installed facing the four different directions.

There are also four Principal Shrines situated in the four directions, seventy-six smaller domed-shrines dedicated to Hindu and Jain deities and saints, four Assembly halls and eighty-four large and small subsidiary shrines in the complex. The four Principal Shrines are famous for their ornate beauty.

This temple is called 'the city of pillars.' The 1444 temple pillars are designed in such a manner that none of them obstructs the view of the pilgrim wishing to have a 'Darshana' (glimpse) of God; from any corner of the temple one can easily view the images of the deities.

The temple is also designed to be open, allowing fresh air and bright in throughout the interior.

Another interesting fact about the pillars is that each one is different. The temple's designers have also created, hidden among the multitude, one horizontal pillar in the temple. This was It was done like this by the builders to teach that only God is perfect; not human works.

The domes and ceilings of this temple are replete with innumerable carvings depicting famous stories from Hindu and Jain scripture. They are renowned for the way the artists have given their sculptures so much life and movement.

This renovated shrine has once again attained its unique fame in the world of art and religion. Every year thousands of pilgrims from all over India and the world come to visit this holy place.